First posted on July 31st 2003, last revised
using Dr. Link Check on October 2nd 2012

The polity of Liechtenstein was formed in 1712 when Prince Johann Adam Andreas von Liechtenstein purchased the County of Vaduz,
after in 1699 having purchased the Barony Schellenberg. The Princes Liechtenstein owned significant estates in
Bohemia and a palace in Vienna. Vaduz / Liechtenstein was an entity of minor political importance
within the Holy Roman Empire and leant on Austria. Catholicism was official religion.
From 1815 to 1866, Liechtenstein was a member of the German Federation; since 1866 it was technically independent, leaning on
Austria-Hungary. Following World War I, Liechtenstein leant on Switzerland
instead.